Assistant Director

Assistant Director of Manufacturing Kent (National Multi-Site Responsibility) Competitive Package & Travel – c.£60k + bens Pearson Whiffin Recruitment points of contact – Emily and Sammy – Manufacturing, Engineering & Technical Division Are you an experienced manufacturing leader who thrives in a multi-site, fast-moving environment? Do you enjoy shaping operational strategy and getting under the skin of day-to-day production? Looking for a role that gives you real influence, modernisation responsibilities and the chance to leave a legacy? We’re supporting a well-established organisation entering a major period of growth. With several manufacturing sites across the UK producing high-volume custom products (including a large signage facility), they are investing heavily in process alignment, operational excellence, new facilities and long-term expansion. They now need a credible, engaging Assistant Director of Manufacturing to work closely with the Managing Director and Operations Managers to elevate performance, unify sites, and create a best-in-class, scalable manufacturing operation. This appointment is central to the next phase of national growth. This exciting management role involves: Taking ownership for Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery and People performance across multiple UK facilities. Driving consistency, alignment and continuous improvement — building a “One Manufacturing” model across production sites. Guiding and developing Operations Managers, ensuring objectives are clear, measurable and commercially aligned. Championing modern, efficient manufacturing practices including process improvement, lean principles, and effective use of ERP. Leading on capacity planning, budgeting, output targets and capex projects. Building strong onsite relationships, ensuring each site is supported, high-performing and aligned to group goals. Recruiting, developing and managing a diverse workforce, navigating the operational challenges that come with varied backgrounds and skill levels. Playing a key role in major upcoming projects — including a brand-new manufacturing facility and a future pipeline of national expansion plans. Working closely with the senior team to ensure operational excellence keeps pace with growth, acquisitions and new initiatives. What we are looking for: Someone who brings credibility, energy and genuine operational depth. Essential Requirements include: Strong experience in manufacturing or production management, ideally across multi-site environments. A background in small-to-medium manufacturing businesses where you’ve had to be hands-on as well as strategic. Proven capability in operational improvement, process alignment, capacity planning and output optimisation. Excellent people leadership skills — confident influencing diverse teams, embedding high standards, and navigating resistance to change. ERP experience and a track record of improving or modernising production systems. The resilience, adaptability and credibility to work in a complex organisation that is scaling quickly and constantly evolving. A degree in Manufacturing/Engineering/Business is beneficial, but relevant experience carries equal weight. Why this role? This is a rare opportunity to: Step into a senior leadership role with genuine influence and scope for long term growth. Modernise and professionalise multi-site production. Drive improvements that will directly shape a national manufacturing operation. Take ownership in a role where your experience will finally be fully utilised and valued. Join an organisation investing heavily in growth, new facilities and long-term capability building. If you’re a manufacturing leader who thrives in a role with breadth, challenge and impact — this is the one.